The Tribune

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) is scheduled to hold its 2021 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals Championship at The National Tennis Centre December 20-23.

The country’s talented men and women tennis athletes will compete for an opportunity to be crowned the 2021 national champions. These individuals include players who have played on the pro level, collegiate athletes and junior circuit athletes.

“From this tournament the genesis of The Bahamas premier teams - the 2022 Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup teams - is formulated, so there’s a little more at stake as the top two in each division will automatically qualify for the two teams,” according to a press release.

An invitational will be held in 2022 to complete the four-member roster for both teams. In the 2021 Davis Cup, Team Bahamas played in the promotional round and is presently ranked 78 out of 140 nations. The 2021 Billy Jean King (BJK) Cup team placed 3rd and is presently ranked 40th over more than 112 nations. The Bahamas has moved up in the rankings based on this year’s performance in Panama.

The tournament director will be Everette Munroe, assisted by Steve Taylor.

“The tournament is expected to be highly competitive and exciting,” said BLTA president Perry Newton. “Many persons are hoping to perform well and to be a contender for the coveted spots to represent Team Bahamas. We wish a strong performance to all the athletes and a competitive and safe tournament.”